The virus was isolated from plasma (subtype adw) from an HBsAg-positive donor. DNA was extracted from purified Dane particles and cloned into the pBR322 vector.

The complete viral genome was linearized with BamHI and inserted into pBR322.

A BamHI digest cuts the insert into fragments of 1.85 kb and 1.35 kb. The 1.35 kb fragment contains coding sequences for HBsAg and most of region P. The 1.85 kb fragment encodes HBcAg and most of the X gene product.

The 1350 bp BamHI fragment encodes both group and subtype-specific determinants of HBsAg.

The AM6 clone is available as ATCC 39630, 40101, 45020 and 45020D. ATCC 40101 and 45020D are purified plasmid DNA and ATCC 39630 and 45020 are the plasmid in E. coli.